CLINTON, LA - A Silliman Institute coach turned himself in on a simple assault charge this morning after police said school employees heard him threatening a student with violence.

John David Varnado, of Baton Rouge, is accused of yelling at an 8-year-old student and threatening him. The coach never hurt the student, but school employees were alarmed by the yelling and filed a complaint with the school.

The parents of the student heard about the incident and filed charges with the Clinton Police Department.

After an investigation a warrant was issued and Varnado turned himself in today.

The school is on Spring Break, and administrators could not be reached for comment.